I need help with carbine SN #

[DICKX]

I am talking to a man on the phone that's 100 miles drive. He has a Carbine and I need help with the sn number.
Inland SN # 327613 (6 or S ) G he can not tell if it is a 6 or S because of the adj. sights.
It has Inland Barrel mfg. Gen. Motors 44 but also has a inport mark of exel/ Gardner, Ma
The rifle has been thru a rebuild and has the updates, it has nice wood.
What do you think about S/N , I can't match it up with any of the info in Bruce Canfield's Complete Guide to M1 Garand / M1 Carbine Book
Help Please.
Thanks
Dick

Information

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[Tired Retired]

Dickx,

Your situation is a bit confusing, but I will take a stab at it. If the serial is a 6 digit, it will be a INLAND manufacturer - but that would not explain why he was seeing an "S" and a "G". If what he has is a 7 digit serial, the first three of the serial indicates that it is a Saginaw SG carbine. Given that he sees a "G" on the right side, it is PROBABLY probably the Saginaw.

There is an old trick where you place a piece if aluminum foil under the sight (but over the serial). You then use a piece of dental floss stretched tight to rub the top of the foil. It causes the serial number and the manufacturer stamp to be emblossed on the foil. Pull out the foil and read it.

Its hard to judge the value of the carbine without a detailed breakdown, a statement of condition and maybe a few pictures. Being an import, the carbine takes a hit from the collector value standpoint. However, it maybe the world's best shooter. As far as a recommendation as to buy it or not, thats up to you and why you want it. Imports make as good of a shooter as CMP's and Bringbacks. I personally would drive the 100 miles if the initial offer was priced right any pictures made it appear to be a shooter.

Good luck...

[DICKX]

THANKS
Tired & Retired
The man says has nice wood,4 rivet hand guard, front band bay lug, flat bolt,,flip safety,magazine latch with letter M, sling & oiler may be repo??,he said receiver had Inland on it with SN# ,this is what throws me off,as numbers don't match match any thing, could it be one of a kind of receivers that was made for Inland by Saginaw. As you can tell I am new to all of this. He want's 8 bills for it which I think is to much with the inport mark on the barrel. Thanks for the info on the trick of tin foil to get numbers. You guy's have so much to offer.
Thanks
Dick

[painter777]

Dick,
If, like the response above by T-R the SN # is 327,613 it's a 6 digit and would be a Inland.
If the serial Number is 3,276,13? million, it would fall in a split serial number block.
This 'Split block' starts at 3,250,020 with the first part of the production being made by Saginaw (SG) of Saginaw Michigan and ended at 3,651,519 with these later production carbines being made at the Saginaw (S'G') Division at Grand Rapids, Michigan.
We really need to know the correct Serial Number to help you correctly ID the receiver, as the receiver is the maker.
If the Dated Inland Barrel is original to this receiver, the receiver may just be from the S'G' Grand Rapids Division, as they were known to use some Inland barrels.
SG, Saginaw Steering Gear Divison of Saginaw, Michigan was known to use their own barrels in most cases.
Now there is a possibility that the barrel may have been changed either during rebuild or my the Importer.

If it were me.... I'd ask about Stock Markings, See if the stock is a Potbelly M2 style. Ask about The Trigger Housing and Internals, The Op Slide, Bolt maker, front sight markings and most importantly the condition of the barrels' bore and muzzle.

We're here to help. Get the correct SN# and don't forget to ask him questions.

Without knowing more about the stock and value of the parts, I'd agree $800 seems high for a Import. But that could change with the value of the parts, overall condition and any extras.

Lastly.... Has he sent you any pictures? If so post them here.

HTH and Good Luck,
Charlie-painter777

[DICKX]

THANKS
Painter 777
Your response was very much appreciated, I am going to go out and take a look at Carbine and check it out very good, hope to get pictures and will get back to you guys.
THANKS Again
Dick